UC e-News 13th September 2022
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13th September 2022
In Memoriam
We give thanks for the life of Queen Elizabeth II and for her unfailing commitment to duty during her lifetime. Our prayers and thoughts are extended to the members of the Royal family at this time and to the people of the United Kingdom and all across the world impacted by her passing. May she rest in God's peace.
World Council of Churches Assembly Shares Message: A Call to Act Together
All are called by Christ’s love to repentance, reconciliation, and justice in the face of war, inequality, and sins against creation, delegates at the 11th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Karlsruhe, Germany, have stated in a message issued on 8th September. Read more
World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel
World Council of Churches (WCC) invites people and churches all over the world to pray, advocate, and stand in solidarity with people in the Holy Land during the World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel, to be observed 15th-22nd September 2022. The theme is ‘Faith, Hope and Love in Action: Towards Justice in Israel Palestine.’ Read more
MediaCom Education
MediaCom Education is the publisher for the Uniting Church in Australia and an official agency of the Synod of South Australia and publishes local Christian authors of integrity to fit its vision, value, and identity. MediaCom's new premises at Building 4, 32-56 Sir Donald Bradman Drive, Mile End (just 12 steps from Perkup Coffee!) makes a perfect setting to meet the staff, check the clearance stock and view the ever-growing resources for Advent, Christmas and Year A. Each Monday for the four weeks of October, between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm, MediaCom invites you to visit, and to sit around a table at Perkup, grab a book or two to view as you enjoy a beverage, and receive a coffee voucher for any orders over $30.00. Read more
Expression of Interest - Synergy
Synergy is a collective buying group, established by the Uniting Church in Australia Synod of South Australia. It combines the buying power of 17 Uniting Church associated organisations in the aged care, health care, community, school and church sectors to obtain the best value for money from suppliers. The Synergy Committee is currently seeking expressions of interest from suitably experienced individuals for the role of volunteer Committee members. Read more
Event highlights
Research Hour
Rev Julie Gardiner will present a theological reflection on ‘the parable of the Samaritan’ (Luke 10) as an archetype of loving your neighbour irrespective of diversity and difference. It draws from research that she is currently conducting on the conversations and relational dynamics happening between member churches of Baptist Churches of South Australia (BCSA) and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual, and Queer (LGBTQ) persons and their advocates. As an accredited pastor of a BCSA member church, Julie knows the dangers of dialoguing over differences in sacred values and how poorly managed and painful the conversation has already been for many. Read more
Willunga Uniting Church Cemetery
A memorial has been installed recognising the unmarked, predominantly children's graves, that are in the church cemetery. There are over one hundred unmarked graves in the cemetery. The official opening of the memorial for the Unmarked Graves will take place on Sunday, October 16th at 12.00 noon. Read more
Sandy Creek Uniting Church Annual Wildflower Walk
On Thursday September 29th 2022, the Sandy Creek Uniting Church will hold its annual wildflower walk. Commencing at 1.00 pm at the Para Wirra Conservation Park and easy guided walk observes the native flowers and shrubs. The walk is followed by afternoon tea at the Church Hall. Read more
During these difficult times we are pleased to provide you with resources for worship leaders to use to encourage people to worship and pray together as a gathered community or at home. These resources have been prepared by Rev Cheryl Wilson:
Read more
Assembly Update
News highlights from the Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia this week include:
News from the World Council of Churches Assembly
UCA National History Society Call for Papers
Marking the World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel
- September Creation Care Guide - A letter writing Climate Action
- Life FM Community Festival
- Expression of Interest - Synergy Committee
- Uniting Church National History Society - Call for Papers
- New opportunities for welcoming refugees in local communities
- Connecting with Ancestors Retreat
- Willunga Uniting Church Cemetery
- World Council of Churches - A Call to Act Together
- Safe Church Update
- COVID-19 Update
- Thuruna Campsite - 60th Anniversary - Save the Date!
- Uniting Church Historical Society Public Meeting
- Assembly - Job Vacancies
- Season of Creation 2022 Worship Resources available now
- World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel
- Research Hour with Rev Julie Gardiner
Reflection of the week
What is Prayer?
Prayer is intimacy with the Great Mystery.
Be every moment aware of the Presence – how you are loved!
She takes off Her wings to heal you, He surrenders everything for your sake. At all times in every hidden, open place, It lives in your deep soul’s core, It moves in your moving and acts through your skin and the skin or bark or shell of all living beings – forms of angels, and also of water, rocks, and fire. Read more
Prayer points
This week we pray:
- For the people of the United Kingdom and the Royal family as they mourn the loss of Queen Elizabeth II
For all countries to come to the aid of Pakistan and we pray especially for the people of Pakistan at this time of great disaster
For all experiencing challenges to their mental health and wellbeing
- For peace in Palestine and Israel.
COVID-19 update
The Synod of SA is adapting and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. For all current updates please visit the Synod website COVID page at this link.
Our Strategic Priorities
The Uniting Church Synod of SA has embarked on a journey to identify its key missional priorities and directions for the next 3-5 years. Read more
Upcoming Events
Please note, many gatherings of people in SA may be further impacted by recent COVID-19 restrictions. The list below is the most up-to-date information available at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
Positions & Placements vacant
Placements News is available here.
Submitting Content
UC e-News is the weekly e-newsletter of the Uniting Church in Australia, Synod of South Australia. If you wish to include content in UC e-News or on the Synod of South Australia website please submit it by 10am on Tuesdays.
